Terry Kent Sampson

Terry K. Sampson passed away on July 30, 2021 in Tucson, Arizona. He was born in Mason City, Iowa on April 20, 1939, to Howard and Alleyne Sampson. As a young child, Terry would go on to live in Los Angeles, California while his father served in the Navy during WWII.

Terry was a 1957 graduate of Mason City High School, where he played in the percussion section specializing in the timpani. It was in high school where he met the love of his life, Carol Griffith. After high school he would go on to attend the University of Iowa earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy in 1962. While a student at the University of Iowa, Terry was a member of the National Society of Pershing Rifles, a military-oriented, national honor society.

Terry married his high school sweetheart, Carol Griffith, at Wesley United Methodist Church, Mason City in 1959. Upon graduation from college, the young couple would move to Decatur, Illinois where Terry would begin his career as a pharmacist for Osco Drug. The couple would make several moves throughout the Midwest as Terry worked in various management roles with Osco Drug. They would finally settle in Bettendorf, Iowa where he held the position of store manager. In 1984, Terry and Carol purchased Willcox Drug Store in Willcox, Arizona. Terry would end his career serving as a pharmacist in various locations throughout Southern Arizona until his retirement. He held the proud honor of holding a certificate as a Licensed Pharmacist for a period of fifty years.

Terry and Carol raised a large family in Bettendorf, Iowa which included opening their home to foster children from the countries of Vietnam and Cambodia, forever enriching their lives.

Terry was a member of the Hamilton Masonic Lodge #664, Bettendorf, Iowa serving as Worshipful Master in 1981. He also held memberships in other Masonic organizations through the years.

Upon retirement, Terry and Carol worked with the Southern Arizona Greyhound Adoption rescue group helping to place retired racing greyhounds with families in Tucson, Arizona.

Terry is survived by Carol, his wife of 62 years, children; Lisa (John) Ewoldt of Gilbert, AZ, Kevin (Galit Dermer) Sampson of Tucson, Darcy (Robert) O’Brien of Tucson, Amee (Jake) Rogers of Litchfield Park, AZ and Kara (Leroy) Hackwith of Springfield, IL. Foster children include Tuan (Melanie) Dao of Urbandale, IA, Thanh Tran of Johnston, IA, and Jamie Suong Phan of Alliance, NE. Grandchildren include Emily, Nathan (Emily), and Kyle Ewoldt; Eric (Sierra), Madison, and Aubrey O’Brien; and Ashley and Chase Rogers.

There will be a private family service at East Lawn Palms Mortuary and Cemetery in Tucson, AZ.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Southern Arizona Greyhound Adoption in loving memory of Terry.